Robyn Bardall

Robyn Bardall

When asked to describe herself in two words, Robyn quickly responded with confidence: “sociable and independent.” We here at ipso agree: As The Giver, Robyn is a free-spirited go-getter with an impeccable sensitivity to others’ emotions and needs.

Robyn’s childhood fostered both sides of this personality: She spent her free time growing up showing horses around the Midwest — a sport that requires poise and fearlessness — and pulling her friends in a wagon around her neighborhood, scoping out the steepest hills to fly down. Robyn’s independence was furthered when she graduated #wagonlife in middle school and received a bike, which enabled countless afternoons exploring the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But it was in college that Robyn’s independence truly took form: she got roller blades. (She’ll tell you this made her a “total loser,” but we know it’s quite the contrary.) When she wasn’t blading around Ohio University’s campus, Robyn filled her time discovering herself and the lifestyle she desired: While majoring in infographics and publication design, she volunteered for the school newspaper and magazine. She also did freelance design work; got her groove on during the international dance nights at her favorite local bar; and met her future husband, Nick — all the while working on various, some personal, creative projects. “I love creating or producing things on my own, and being able to call the project ‘complete.’ It’s a very life-giving feeling for me.”

After college, Robyn applied this initiative and creativity as a packaging designer for a major corporation, where she learned she wanted to move into a role (and work environment) where freedom, human interaction, and values were prioritized — which is precisely where Robyn and ipso’s stories intersect. She has been at ipso for three years, and has worn more hats than the rest of the team, acting as project manager, account manager, and now a crucial part of the business development team, even as her consistently unpredictable fashion choices and outrageous sense of humor never fail to inspire hilarity around the Akron office.

Despite her impressive professional pursuits, Robyn never wanted anything more than to be a mom. She and Nick are currently raising their two children — Rhett and Jo — in their beautiful home outside of Akron. When asked what she currently enjoys about being a mom, Robyn’s face lights up: ”Rhett has awesome rhythm, even at age 2 1/2. It’s so fascinating watching them learn and develop personality. I’m loving encouraging them to express themselves.”

Surrounded by love and support, Robyn feels she is now in a place to challenge her own norms and break out of her comfort zone — even though she has no idea what that will look like. Well, she might have a slight idea: “I want to reinvent the taxidermy industry.” More details to come.

Relationally minded, Robyn pursued project management following a career in package design development and creative account management. An educated graphic designer, she brings an aesthetic understanding with a heart and purpose for people—for her clients and for her coworkers. Having immersed herself quickly and completely in the industry of web, her portfolio expanded to include the oversight of motion graphics, managed services, SEO and brand development. Robyn takes this combined experience and knowledge to the forefront of ipso as Account Manager of Sales.

Robyn further brings her highly organized, self-deprecating, witty, and joyous personality to her clients, the ipsonians, and beyond.

Q&A with Robyn

What's the best part of your story so far?

Becoming a parent alongside my husband, Nick.

What organization or company inspires you and why?

StoryPeople. When in college, I would mail about 60 cards throughout the year. This is when I came across StoryPeople. Though the "stories" on their cards - prints, books, sculptures, too - are but a few lines, if not just one sentence, they capture emotion and experiences as if you'd lived them yourself. One minute I'm laughing, one minute I'm crying, but to me that is life – It is meant to be shared, and even better, felt.

What is something no one would ever believe to be true about you?

I don't like sushi unless topped with enough wasabi to cause tears!

What are you passionate about related to the work you do in serving others?

I'm passionate about building relationships, both inter-company and with our clients. Great reward and friendship comes from earning and honoring the respect of others. It's been said that "I've never met a stranger."

What are you doing when you feel most like you?

Laughing!

In an alternative life, what would you want to give a try?

Living in another country.

What aspect of ipso's culture resonates you most?

The emphasis on freedom and the sense of trust that accompanies putting that into practice. Trust enables co-workers to feel like family, which creates an atmosphere where we feel more open to ask questions and be truly ourselves. I love that I can take these values and adapt them to my own character and into my home life.

We'd love to hear from you!

ipso exists to help humans flourish. Our humans. Your humans. Collectively…every human. To help us, all of us, flourish. While our work is in the realm of design, programming, video, and content creation, those things are simply what we do in order to tangibly serve others. Underneath all of that work is foundational belief that business exists for the common good, the flourishing of individuals and communities. Give us a call (330) 541-5448 or complete the info form here.

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